From: Ronnie Angello (ronnie.angello@gmail.com)
Date: Mon Apr 16 2007 - 17:15:12 ART
LOL
On 4/16/07, Marcus Lasarko <mlasarko@baltimorecountymd.gov> wrote:
>
> Just taking a quick shot at this - feeding the rumor mill :)
>
> What if...
> In the future...
>
> To begin one would pass a written test, similar to now (we have to start
> somewhere). CCIE written exams would be conducted in varying climates with
> two 100-question parts and a break in between. Each portion of the written
> requires that you must score 70 or above, but average 75 or greater overall
> on both sections. Overall exam length would be 230 minutes. 1 minute per
> question, plus the 30 minutes for the break in the middle. One half of the
> exam would be give in a walk-in freezer, while the other half would be taken
> in a desert-like heat. (Use your imagination)
>
> After passing the written beating one would submit a resume and portfolio
> with a minimum 5 years experience describing 5 "large/enterprise"
> deployments as a tech_lead/architect/PM that apply to the track you are
> pursuing (This concept should sound familiar to some of you out there with
> certain other certifications) - And Yes! This step should be a requirement
> for those with an existing # as that number applies to some other technology
> specialization, this is a new track, a new technology, and the candidate
> should have a minimum amount of experience with that technology for (or
> within) a specified period of time.
>
> Then Cisco selects from the qualified candidates by random selection.
> These candidates are then interviewed by a select group of Proctors to
> validate their professional experience, answer questions regarding their
> implementation, etc... All candidates are subject to an audit of their
> application, but due to the nature of the new lab process the need for
> audits will be minimal. The fee for this interview would be $200.00 and
> would take approximately 2 hours, in person or via video-conference from a
> secured Cisco office/location using TelePresence. The candidate (or sponsor)
> is now ~ $500.00 invested into the program, has passed a "sincere" written
> exam, and spoken with Proctors to get a feel for their personality.
>
> At this point Cisco has determined a candidate is "paper and people
> ready". They have passed a written and interview to confirm their experience
> and that they are familiar with their proposed track. Approximately 20
> candidates are selected at a time. This helps with scheduling as more seats
> are available and none left empty, optimizing profits and increasing
> efficiency.
>
> Note: There are no empty seats, aside from "no-shows". This "No show"
> issue is mitigated by the necessity for a candidate to check-in 36 to 48
> hours prior. A candidate not registered onsite at the lab within 36 hours
> prior loses their seat, their $'s, and alternates are called and invited
> until the class is full.
>
> Now, candidates who pass the interview/validation process are scheduled
> for the "lab-week". This would be 6 to 12 months prior to the actual
> "lab-week" starting date. This is important to allow for ample time to
> surgically install an NDA-enforcement microchip into the base of their
> skulls. A procedure that would not be irreversible, but would certainly be a
> "high-risk" change control to remove :) This would also be one of three
> primary means of identification (currently all you need is a picture_ID).
> This new policy would require picture_ID, biometric (retinal, fingerprint,
> etc...), and confirmation of the presence of the previously installed
> NDA-enforcement chip on lab day.
>
> In the meantime, for the program overall, Cisco doubles available rack
> facilities at little cost by using confiscated and/or otherwise un-licensed
> hardware and increases the cost of the lab to $2500.00 for the week, double
> the people, double the cost, with only the need for some additional
> hardware/racks and a few "Associate Proctors", who could just as well be
> newbie CCIE's and/or other "students". Candidates are selected, fees are
> processed, the schedule is set.
>
> Now we arrive at lab week. The week starts on Monday.
> The candidates are given similar-difficulty labs, based on prior candidate
> performance, at random.
>
> Those who score in the top half of their class on day 1 move on to day
> 2...
>
> Those who score in the top half of their class on day 2 move on to day
> 3...
>
> Ties are allowed - a tie score may allow one or two more to move on to the
> next day, but the odds of that happening the next day, mathematically, are
> exponentially less likely.
>
> Note the above, the first two days, could be technology-specific. Perhaps
> one heavy physical-layer and core switching on ACTUAL PRODUCTION platforms
> (65xx, 45xx, 37xx, etc...), with little L3 required. The next day perhaps
> intense IGP's - core routing, all L2 done for you from the start (just do
> not 'break it", hint...).
>
> Note: not as much hardware variance in day 2 hardware as day 3, SP
> candidates would potentially have different platforms than R&S as there
> could be ONS/optical, xWDM, etc...
>
> This leaves us with only 5 candidates who are invited back on Wednesday.
> They have shown their true expertise in regards to the core technologies
> and have outlasted their peers.
> The other 15 have been "voted out", their torches flame no more, "they're
> fired".
> <insert_your_favorite_reality_TV_catch_phrase_here>
>
> These 5 candidates get to take a full labs the next three days.
> The candidates must score above 70 on ALL labs, with an average of over
> 75.
> This may sound like a downgrade to some, but just think about it...
> 88 - 91 - 67, darn -you're out on the 3rd lab even though your average
> was an 82.
>
> There are no re-reads. If you want to try again you re-register.
> If you re-register there is a benefit in terms of a
>
> Those who meet the criteria above become a "MCCIE"
> And we all know what "M" stands for...
> Money!
>
> ...or Master,
> or Multiple
> or Machine,
> or whatever you want it to if you can get through!
>
> Seriously, just thinking about the possibility;
> How that COULD work.
>
> The only part that may be of issue is the NDA-chip, that could create
> health liabilities or other complications.
> Climate control for the written would require some medical waiver, of
> course.
>
> I do not see this as a problem for instructors, granted their material is
> original.
> Those who participate cannot share their knowledge as the NDA-chip will
> not permit it.
> Kind of like a polygraph, but looped-back to your synapse!
> You could not communicate/replicate the stuff you saw if you wanted to!
> If you even thought about asking question too precise to what were on your
> labs, what you saw...
> It would give a whole new meaning to the term "migraine".
>
> NDA-chip aside, I think the other steps are feasible.
> and would certainly "harden" the certification, empower those who pass,
> etc...
>
> While I believe someone *could* memorize a lab, it is doubtful they can
> memorize three,
> And that is if they make it that far :)
>
> Proctors would still be proctors
> The candidates are still human
> And we cannot cheat ourselves as humans so often are tempted to do!
>
> In the end, CCIE / MCCIE's are truly " experienced experts"
>
> Just day-dreaming - Happy Monday all,
> ~M
>
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